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Compensation for Man Injured in Car Accident Due to Burst Water Main

Irwin Mitchell have successfully claimed compensation for a Devon based man who was injured in a car accident. A five figure settlement was agreed out of court in respect of our client’s injuries, financial losses and the cost of a replacement vehicle.

Our client was returning from work on a cold night when driving his car along a quiet country lane when suddenly the cars steering felt light, causing him to lose control. The car then skidded, collided into a hedge and flipped over into a field, landing on its roof.

The police attended the scene of the accident and after conducting investigations noted that there was a burst water main in the neighbouring field causing water to leak and run down the road. Due to the sub zero conditions this water froze causing a significant hazard to road users. The leak had been reported to the water board 24 hours prior to the accident however they failed to repair this.

As result of the accident our client suffered significant muscular injuries to his neck and back which was treated with pain relief and an extended course of physiotherapy. HIs symptoms took six months to resolve and had a significant impact on his personal and family life. He also suffered anxiety and is now apprehensive when travelling by car.

Irwin Mitchell Lawyer Reiss Matthews, based in the Birmingham office dealt with the claim, with the local water board admitting liability for our client’s accident. Reiss commented, "Although I am pleased with the outcome in so far as that I was able to obtain compensation for my client, this is yet another example of a completely unnecessary and avoidable accident. Our client is a family man who was involved in an accident through no fault of his own and as result suffered significant injuries which have had a major impact on his life. This accident just emphasises the need for business to take responsibility for their actions and to ensure that all precautions are taken to protect members of the public and employees alike."